PROBLEM WITH IGNITION KEY

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Steve Bloom

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Tijuana, Mexico
Just bought this 69 Dart with slant 6. Cleaned out the fuel lines, etc. Car started but when I released the key it died. I found out after a few tries that the car would run if I kept the key in the far right position (starter).... the starter gear released but car would only run if I kept the key as if I was starting it. My first Mopar since 1970, any clues? Thanks
 
MoparLeo said:
That is why you carry a spare. In a pinch you just jump the ballast. :thumbsup:
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Thanks everyone. This part? By jumping you mean it's possible in an emergency to jump the terminals? steve

Ballast Resistor.jpg
 
that's the ballast for the wipers, you want the ballast on the firewall for the ignition
 
This problem is overblown. ONE spare may never be used. In all the years........bought my first Mopar in about 1971.......I've only had to replace maybe 2 or 3 ballasts. One hint: Don't turn the key to "run" and leave it on for long with the engine stopped
 
Overblown ? You had a couple of failures. Were you at home, in your driveway when they failed ? Probably not. I have helped men and women stranded in the parking lots of grocery stores after they were shopping. That is what is called insurance, better to not need it than to not have it. Especially since these ignition systems are now over 40-50 years old. Things wear out.
 
MoparLeo said:
Overblown ? You had a couple of failures. Were you at home, in your driveway when they failed ? Probably not. I have helped men and women stranded in the parking lots of grocery stores after they were shopping. That is what is called insurance, better to not need it than to not have it. Especially since these ignition systems are now over 40-50 years old. Things wear out.
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The car sat for nearly 20 years, I just purchased it and brought it home. I do have a lot of spare parts for all my cars that have been sitting unused for many years, in this case I will purchase 2, since I am not yet up to speed on Mopars. To those of you in the know, thanks for all your support. I will have more questions.
 
MoparLeo said:
Overblown ? .
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That's right overblown. The vast majority of all Mopars that used a ballast went to the junkyard wearing the original factory ballast. If you blow one up it is likely due to some specific cause

1...Someone likes to leave the key on
2....Coil is partly bad
3....Severe overvoltage/ overcharging problem
4....Water such as rain leakage, opening hood after washing car, etc causing shatter/ breakage

I WILL agree that it's a good idea to carry some tools and emergency parts, but the hand ringing I've heard over the years about these ballast IS overblown
 
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